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Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan resurrect Whig Party
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Going through comments from the article on ‘Democrats or Republicans our only choice myth’ led to a discovery. V. Endres mentioned there was a new party with a very old name started by veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Expecting yet another poorly conceived third party push it was a pleasant surprise as the exploration of their website unveiled The Modern Whig Party.
For 23 years, from 1833 to 1856, the original Whig Party stood in defiance of what was believed to be the ever growing power of Jacksonian Democracy. President Andrew Jackson led the Democratic Party to unprecedented strength. It was believed Jackson was bringing an extreme consolidation of power to the executive branch, developing near autocratic rule, while having no true opposition. Supporting more authority in the legislative branch and states’ powers the original Whig Party stood in direct contrast while offering voters another choice.
Among their leaders were Daniel Webster, William Henry Harrison, Henry Clay, General Zachary Taylor, General Winfred Scott, and a young politician from Illinois named Abraham Lincoln. Two became president in its short lifespan, Harrison and Taylor. Despite the success a defection to a new Republican Party caused it to disappear from factional politics almost as quickly as it came into being.
Those following this column know there are over 50 third parties in the United States already. As long as the two main factions, those special interest groups we call the Democrats and Republicans, are allowed to control politics from within the government there is little hope for a balanced voice to rise with any speed. However, if and when the people ever demand the two major parties get out of the internal political organization parties such as The Modern Whig Party will have a chance to impact more than just critical thinking. In the meantime these veterans will definitely stir your brain juices and, locally, there is much they can do.
With a tie to the military heritage of the Whig Party there is sound understanding of current challenges. These leaders don’t assume some unrealistic rise to power. Despite their understanding this young party has grown to over 20,000 members with state organizations entrenched in 26 states. Mike Lebowitz, Chairman and former veteran, still has his feet soundly planted on the battlefield of reality. “Overall, we continue to have no illusions as to how difficult an endeavor such as this will be. We realize that the majority of voters are not yet ready to embrace a third party, let alone one called the "Whigs." This is why we are developing this movement in a gradual and methodical manner.”
These modern day Whigs balance issues between the extreme stances of Democrats and Republicans. One key factor that immediately sets them apart is their belief in states’ powers. Fully embracing the 10th Amendment, they believe challenges are best solved at the lowest level. This should not surprise anyone who understands military thinking. Although there is always a chain-of-command, troops in the field know they must solve immediate problems. Waiting for step-by-step orders can bring defeat in battle. As we struggle for our liberty these veterans stand strongly on the side of self-responsibility. Modern Whigs include everyone from low ranks among enlisted to generals and civilians, similar to the original Whig Party.
It is not all politics with these vets either. They began as an organization to help veterans and their families in an effort they call “Dear Joe” and they are already fulfilling that part of their vision. According to Lebowitz, “Because our organization was founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, we will not only say we support our current and former military members, but we will act on behalf of these Americans as well. In addition, military spouses and families also are included.”
They are fulfilling this focus while staying grounded in the challenges ahead. “Our general principles relate to fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression. I also should add that we are not antagonistic toward the main parties, and instead of pointing out problems, we seek to offer rational and common-sense solutions.” Without being antagonistic they are focused and our two factions better pay attention. There are many third-party movements but only one founded by modern veterans who completely embrace their oaths and are not ready to let our modern traditions of the Democrats and Republicans to continue to lead us toward nationalistic democracy, they know how to defend against enemies foreign and domestic. We will continue to keep an eye on their progress; expect them to be marching into your town soon. Ahh-ten-hut! Salute!
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